A faction within the Malian military, known as the Collective of Military Defense (CDM), has accused Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga of “high treason” and issued a 72-hour ultimatum for his resignation.
The CDM, aligned with junta leader Assimi Goita, criticized Maïga for recent comments directed at the ruling generals, describing his actions as betrayal. The group’s demands carry weight, as their previous calls have often influenced junta decisions.
Appointed by the military in 2021 after Mali’s second coup that year, Maïga drew the ire of the CDM following his remarks during the November 16 commemoration of the 2023 recapture of Kidal. Wearing military attire despite being a civilian, he expressed frustration over being sidelined in key decisions, particularly regarding the extension of the country’s political transition timeline.
While praising the Malian Armed Forces for their efforts, Maïga criticized the junta’s unilateral decision to postpone the transition deadline, originally scheduled for March 26, 2024, without consulting the government. He emphasized the need for political clarity and warned of confusion as Mali navigates its critical transition period.
The Prime Minister’s growing isolation from the military leadership and his endorsement of a critical text against the junta in June have fueled speculation about his potential dismissal. The situation underscores mounting tensions within Mali’s fragile political landscape.
